Stone chips - A new world record?

[Up The Octave]

I picked up my shiny new Tuscan from TMS yesterday. I was going to have it delivered but got so many responses on here about picking it up that I decided to drive it home.

First of all, the car is awesome. TMS have been great, TVR have been great. I'll post some more photos, and a "first impressions" type message in the next couple of days.

BUT - On arriving home, a trip of around 20 miles, a notice that I have already picked up 2 stone chips. I was driving very gently (as I'm sure most new owners do), backing off from traffic etc. etc. but still the stones found me.

The chips are very minor, in the middle of the uppermost part of the front bonnet panel. I must admit I found it odd that they got that far up.

The paint hasn't been chipped, just the top lacquer layer which has been indented ever so slightly in two small stone chip size areas.

My concern about doing a Chips Away is that a repair will look worse than it does now. Since it really isn't noticeable unless you have a really good look at the car (like we all do as owners).

Anyway, thought I'd let you know and see what you all thought.

Hasn't stopped me enjoying the car though, its wonderful.

[ghunter]

Should think yourself lucky....I got a massive "scar" on the service bonnet on the first day when I picked mine up. I think you better get used to it because you cannot avoid it. Armourfend detracts from the appearance of the car in my opinion. I never thought that the paint finish was particularly chip resistant and there are some threads on here about paint toughness etc. Personally I don't think the paint finishes are as tough as mass produced cars and by that I don't mean hard....I mean resistant.

[jigs]

In comparison to ordinary cars TVRs have alot of painted surfaces at front low/ground level without black plastic grills, bumpers, spoilers, etc. to deflect and hide the stone chips.

Hence much more visible stone chips - it's the price you pay for a beautiful body.

Just develop a good relationship with a good paint shop. Or travel so fast that no-one notices - I don't think that anyone other than a fussy TVR owner notices them anyway.

Better to just enjoy the TVR and wear the stone chips as badges of honour!

[joust]

Unfortunatly its down to the fact that manufacturers have to use water based paints nowdays (rather than the spirit based ones of old) which just don't stick to GRP as well as metal.

Also, the fact that the paint runs down so low and you have a slope rather than flat front bumper aggrivates it.

As people say - you'll have to get used to it....

J

[Up The Octave]

Sorry to hear about the scar - How did that happen ?

Like I said, its a shame, but it really hasn't taken anything away from the enjoyment of finally getting the car. I can't leave the thing alone - I've just got back from halfords after spending way too much money on a range of Autoglym products. I think I'll need them since Grigio Titanio also attracts dirty fingerprints on contact areas like the boot lid, the doors and the roof panel.

I know I'm preaching to the converted but it really is an awesome car.

I'll put some photos up once its all nice and shiny again.

[ghunter]

Massive stone chip.....did not even notice anything when I was driving but it was right down to the undercoat. Just touch them up, if you can, until it becomes an eyesore then get the bonnets resprayed....

[Up The Octave]

I don't even think mine (there's two of them) need touching up. You can see them from some angles and not others.

I've given the car a good Autoglym Extra Gloss Protection wax and, although you can still see them when you know they are there, I really don't think they are noticeable.

I think it was a real kick in gut to get them on the drive back from the dealer. Never mind, all part of the Tuscan ownership experiance.

Out of curiosity, and probably for the future, how much is a front panel respray?

[jigs]

£700 - £800.